Catching Up With Weyburn's First Female Police Officer

As we approach the end of Women's History Month today we are celebrating the hard work and achievements of Weyburn's first female Police officer.

"I was hired March 1st of 1993 and was hired by Chief Gordon Dynna," said Caroline Chartrand, Ex-Constable with the Weyburn Police Service. "When I started I believe there were 16 officers and I was the only female for the first 10 years or so until Melinda Mintenko was the second female officer. And she came maybe 10 years after me somewhere near 2003."

Throughout time, women have been at the forefront of technology, science, mathematics, culture, and every other profession imaginable.

Yet in written history, many of them do not receive the credit and recognition they deserve. And that is why Women’s History Month is such an important time for celebration and reflection. This month allows us to focus on women, and the essential part they have played in our nation’s and world’s history.

"The Police members were all really good to me. I never felt out of place or was treated differently by anybody. But I'm a pretty strong female so I pretty much stand my ground on everything. So they never had a choice but to treat me the same," Chartrand told.

Despite decades of progress and numerous accomplishments, modern women are still challenged daily by discrimination, harassment, and inequality in society, the workplace, and government.

Luckily in Chartrand's case the community that she served as well as her co-workers were all quite supportive and treated her well.

"I think because of my personality and I'm a pretty strong-willed individual I never had any trouble enforcing the law," explained Chartrand. "People were great and I don't know if they were used to female officers from other communities but everyone in Weyburn didn't treat me any different. I may have even had it easier because lots of people would see a female and not want to fight or they had nothing to prove by fighting a female. So they were maybe not as aggressive I would say."

Chartrand added that she feels it is important to have diversity in all workplaces as differing opinions and viewpoints can help solve problems more quickly based on her own experiences.

She also said that she felt like a female officer with the right personality can possibly de-escalate many situations easier.

"I think also dealing with sexual abuse, child abuse, and other scenarios where females are more comfortable talking with other females I think it's really needed in that aspect of Policing as well," Chartrand expressed. "The more perspectives you have you can maybe solve problems quicker."

Now Chartrand re-finishes furniture in Weyburn and currently is in Conway, Arkansas helping her daughter take a look at the college she will be attending.

"I think you have to stay true to who you are, be strong, and I think women can succeed in any job that they want to pursue," exclaimed Chartrand.

While taking the time to acknowledge and appreciate women in history and in your own life remember that they are an important part of our society and they should be treated with the same respect as everyone else.